On November 11, 2016 from 8:00am to 4:00pm, RRHC will host a special exhibit for the public to learn about the colon. Individuals are invited to take a stroll through a 10 foot by 12 foot inflatable colon. The structure shows what a healthy colon looks like as well as what it looks like when cancer is present.

Colon cancer does not always have symptoms that is why it is important to test for it even if you feel healthy. Regular testing can find cancer early when it is small and easier to treat and cure. Everyone is at risk for colon cancer and should be tested starting at age 50. There are different colon cancer tests available— even a simple, low cost test that can be done in the privacy of your own home.

Staff from RRHC Clinic will be present to walk you through the Strollin’ Colon, share information and answer questions. For more information about this event and colon cancer testing, contact clinic staff at (304) 643-4005.

On Friday, August 19th, the staff and board gathered to celebrate another busy summer. The picnic was held on the new deck at North Bend Outfitters, overlooking the lake. Attendees enjoyed grilled hotdogs and hamburgers and all the sides and fixings.

Many staff and family members enjoyed a pontoon boat ride out on the lake as well as kayak and canoe rides.

Thank you to all who came out to enjoy a great evening and to all those who helped make this event possible!

August 6th, staff, patients, and community members gathered together for the 10th Annual Ritchie Regional Health Center 5K race, held in downtown Harrisville, WV. Fun was had by all who participated, which included walkers, runners, and a children’s race. Although it was a hot and muggy morning, all participants completed the course, with many receiving awards.

Results were posted in the Ritchie Gazette with pictures of top finishers of each category. Thank you to all of the local organizations and businesses who donated door prizes and sponsored this event, including the Ritchie County High School Track team and TriStateRacer.com. To view all of the pictures from this event, go to http://www.tristateracer.com/Gallery/index.php?RaceID=8825 .

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A free blood pressure screening at his local volunteer fire department may have saved one man’s life.

Harry Kellar, 52, of Cutler, Ohio, father of four, coach of his son’s junior high football team, and machine maintenance planner at Kraton Polymers, felt fine. His older son’s high school football team was hosting an ice cream social at the firehouse, and Kellar stopped by the blood pressure booth for a quick check.

A handful of doctors’ appointments and referrals later, Kellar found out that an artery in his heart was 100 percent blocked. He needed a coronary artery bypass. Kellar had watched his father’s long recovery from traditional bypass surgery, in which the breastbone is split and the ribcage separated in order to access the heart. He wanted to avoid that experience if at all possible.

Fortunately, just two hours away, the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute offers minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass. With the aid of a surgical robot, the entire procedure can be performed through a few small incisions between the ribs on the left side.

Progress is coming along at the site of the new RRHC West Union Campus! The sunny weather has allowed the construction crew the chance to start the build from the ground up and we are excited to see just how much they’ve accomplished.

Here are a few pictures from the site:

Check back to here or on our Facebook page for updates and information on our new and improved West Union Campus. We hope to be serving you from the new building by early 2017.

The Free Backpacks and School Supplies Event, sponsored by Try-Again Homes (304) 422-3159, will be held July 30, 2016 at the City Park Pavilion from 1-3 p.m. To receive a free back pack and school supplies you must come to the short presentation on “Anti-Bullying” and Dare at 1 pm . Parkersburg PD Resource officers will give a presentation and pass out literature, and Officers will discribe the D.A.R.E program. The Parkersburg Fire Departmtnet will have the fire truck present, Wood County Sherriff’s Office will be doing finger prints and a Bicycle Helmet booth, while Wendy’s, WV Birth to Three, and several other agencies and businesses will also be on site.

The WV Department of Education has changed immunization and school physical requirements for students who will be starting 2nd, 7th, and 12th grade in school year 2016/2017. But don’t worry, RRHC is here to help!

Our school-based sites will be holding immunization clinics for 7th and 12th graders and school physical clinics for 2nd graders. Dates for each site’s clinic are: